Kobe Bryant to decide when he'll retire this summer

Will the fourth-highest scoring player in NBA history call it a career after the 2013-14 season? We should find out this summer. After the season is over and before training camp, Kobe Bryant is expected to make a decision about his future. He has indicated in the past that this season and next would be his last two. However, nothing has been set in stone.

Bryant is still leaning toward the 2013-14 season being his last says Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com, but Bryant needs to talk about his future with his family before making any concrete decisions. The prospect of a Lakers' extension is on the table, but Bryant says there is nothing Los Angeles can do to alter his decision. It's his and his alone.

“We’ll talk,” Bryant said after piling up 19 points, 14 assists against one turnover and nine rebounds while playing all but 23 seconds of the 103-98 victory over the Kings at Sleep Train Arena. “I’ll talk to my family and stuff and really see if I want to continue to sacrifice as much as I’m sacrificing right now. I’m putting my body through a lot to just try to get ready to play every single night. To do what I’m doing right now, it’s not easy. I’ll tell you, it’s taken a lot of commitment.”

Bryant has played 17 seasons in the NBA after coming to the league straight out of high school. He just recently passed Wilt Chamberlain to become the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history. He has five NBA championships, but he's made no secret of the fact that he wants to match Michael Jordan's six. Bryant has accomplished so much, but he seems to have more left in the tank. It will be an interesting summer as he tries to decide his future. Follow @hoopsinjurynews